Arkansas Post National Memorial Travel Guide

Arkansas Post National Memorial preserves the site of the first European settlement in what is now Arkansas, offering a glimpse into a complex history shaped by various powers. Founded in 1686 by French explorer Henri de Tonti, Arkansas Post, or "Poste de Arkansea", became a crucial trading post and the first semi-permanent French settlement in the lower Mississippi River Valley. This location witnessed conflicts between the French, Spanish, British, Americans, and Confederate forces, playing a strategic role in the struggle for control over the North American continent.Over the years, the Post shifted locations due to flooding from the Arkansas River, yet it remained strategically important. In 1783, it was the site of the Colbert Raid, the only Revolutionary War skirmish in Arkansas. Following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Arkansas Post became part of the United States and, by 1819, a thriving river port and the largest city in the region, briefly serving as the capital of the Arkansas Territory. During the Civil War, Confederate troops constructed Fort Hindman to control the Arkansas River, but Union forces destroyed it in 1863.Today, the 389-acre memorial features a visitor center with a museum and theater, offering exhibits on archaeological finds, the Civil War battle, and the Post's history. Visitors can explore the historic townsite on a self-guided tour, walk along the paved trails, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Fishing is permitted in the surrounding waters, and wildlife watching opportunities abound.